Real Estate

Mattar Law Firm operates a dedicated real estate department staffed by attorneys experienced in the Lebanese property market. We advise Lebanese citizens, expatriates, and foreign investors on acquisitions, due diligence, SPV structuring, financing, development, leasing, cadastre/land registry matters, and dispute resolution.

Foreign Ownership — Legal Framework

Law 296 (March 2001) simplified foreign property ownership in Lebanon and reduced registration fees to approximately 5% of property value for all investors. Under Law 360, foreigners may acquire up to 3% of Lebanon's total area per administrative district (caza), with Beirut allowing up to 10%. Properties under 3,000 square meters require no Council of Ministers approval; larger acquisitions require a governmental decree, valid for five years and extendable once.

Our Services

• Title verification and encumbrance checks
• Contract drafting and negotiation
• Foreign ownership compliance
• Cadastre registration and filing
• SPV and joint venture structuring
• Development permitting
• Commercial and residential leasing
• Property litigation and dispute resolution

Market Context

Lebanon's real estate sector has attracted substantial international capital. Arab investments in Lebanese real estate reached $3.35 billion in 2007, representing approximately 60% of total investment activity in the country at that time.